Santala finds two goals in Rangers overtime win against Saginaw
Posted Oct 3, 2026 10:26:31 AM.
The Kitchener Rangers are off to an exciting start to the season, now sitting with a 4-2 record after another late game comeback.
Facing off against the Saginaw Spirit at home, Kitchener would try to extend their winning streak to three-in-a-row.
Jason Schaubel made his fifth start of the season, matching up against Brady Knowling making his second career OHL start.
A quiet first period saw Saginaw outshoot Kitchener 6-5, but solid goaltending from both sides would prevent any scoring.
Then, early in the second Kitchener came out swinging after finding themselves on a powerplay. A pass from Haeden Ellis found the open Charlie Puglisi, who buried his third goal of the season.
However, it wouldn’t take Saginaw long to score a goal of their own. A shifty breakaway move from Braidy Wassilyn tied the game just over a minute later.
Not long after, Dima Zhilkin gave the Spirit a lead of 2-1, scoring his fifth of the year. Keeping the game close, a quick passing play from Dmitri Toporowski and Alex Forrest led to Avry Anstis finding the back of the net, tying the game for the Rangers.
Kitchener would pick-up some momentum going into the third after outshooting Saginaw 13-5 in the second period.
The Rangers continued putting on pressure against the Spirit in the third. Though, a few nice saves by Brady Knowling kept the game tied.
About halfway into the third, Braidy Wassilyn put Saginaw in front after scoring his second of the game. Now down by a goal with roughly two minutes left and the goalie pulled, Luca Santala picked up a deflected shot sent the game to overtime.
Finally, it didn’t take Kitchener long to close out their matchup. Just 10 seconds into overtime Luca Santala scored his second goal of the game after beating Brady Knowling through the five-hole.
What’s next for the Kitchener Rangers
Their win over Saginaw gives Kitchener a three-game winning streak, winning two of their last three games in overtime.
The Rangers next game is Sunday, Oct. 4, where they will face off against the Guelph Storm in the Sleeman Centre.
To find tickets and more information about the Kitchener Rangers, click here.
Your Community
